Search for journal articles on most topics. This multi-disciplinary database is a good place to start if you don't know where else to begin. (EBSCO)
Boatwright Library will obtain items not owned by campus libraries for current UR faculty, students and staff. If you're unsure if the item is available on campus, you can check using the UR Library Catalog. Boatwright Library uses ILLiad to facilitate ILL requests.
How to place a request:
Articles in encyclopedias, especially scholarly subject encyclopedias, can be very helpful in establishing basic information about a person, place, event, or theory and they often have bibliographies that list additional resources worth consulting.
Search for concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects. These short books are written by experts in the field and cover everything from Vatican II to the Civil Rights Movement to Medical Ethics. Note: Only 5 users may access this database at one time. (Oxford)